Cliffs, Coastal Elegance, and Card-Carrying Bliss: Our Family Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
- Michael Dade
- Sep 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 11
As card-carrying members of the travel blogosphere (and of the Marriott Bonvoy program!), we at Resort Chasers are always on the hunt for the ultimate luxury escape. When our annual free night certificate from the now-legacy Ritz-Carlton Visa Card landed in our inbox, we knew exactly where to splurge for a birthday staycation: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. For a family of four, turning that 85,000-point certificate into a stay where rates often soar above the $1,000 mark is the perfect points-and-miles triumph. Our one-night stay, made even sweeter by a successful Nightly Upgrade Award (NUA) to a highly sought-after room type, proved to be a masterclass in coastal luxury, delivering on its world-renowned reputation, especially in location, service, and food.
The Scottish Setting and the Coveted Room: Location and Accommodation
The most compelling feature of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is, without a doubt, its utterly breathtaking location. Located at 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA and perched dramatically atop a rugged bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort successfully channels a rugged, yet refined, Scottish manor feel along a breathtaking stretch of the California coastline. The stone facade, expansive lawns, and the daily sunset ritual of the bagpiper playing on the 18th hole of the adjacent golf course transport you across the Atlantic.
For our family, the highlight of the accommodations was securing a Terrace Fire Pit room with 2 Queen beds, Ground floor, and a Partial Golf view. As Platinum Elite members of Marriott Bonvoy, we applied a Nightly Upgrade Award (formerly a Suite Night Award) for this room category. While it’s not a full suite, the upgrade provided immense value and practicality for a family of four.
The ground-floor access was a game-changer, allowing the kids (ages 6 and 9) to easily step out onto the terrace. While the view was a partial golf course view (with only a hint of the ocean on the horizon), the private, in-ground gas fire pit was pure gold. The fire pit is the key amenity here, transforming a standard room into a luxury retreat. After an afternoon on the California Coastal Trail (which runs right past the resort!), we ordered the S'mores kit from room service and spent the evening enjoying a glass of wine and roasting marshmallows under the stars—a core memory created from a loyalty benefit.
Luxurious Amenities and Family-Friendly Features
The amenities list is as extensive as you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton property. Beyond the two championship Half Moon Bay Golf Links courses, the resort offers an exceptional spa, six tennis courts, and a heated indoor swimming pool located in the Ocean House building and bikes for guests. The room itself, with its two Queen beds, was spacious enough for all of us. The sumptuous bedding and luxurious marble bathroom, featuring a deep soaking tub and separate rain shower, were perfect for unwinding. Thoughtful family amenities like the in-room Nespresso machine, plush robes, and the availability of the Ritz Kids program (supervised activities for ages 5-12) show an attention to family travelers that is expected and appreciated.
The Gold Standard: Service That Anticipates
The service at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is truly where the property earns its stripes. From the moment the valet greeted us by name to the flawless check-in, every staff interaction was personalized and warm. The staff's attention to detail was evident during our fire pit experience. They delivered the S'mores kit along with extra wine glasses and blankets for the cool coastal evening without us even asking. This proactive, anticipatory level of service made our short one-night stay feel entirely seamless—a crucial factor when traveling with children. This is the gold standard of service that elevates a luxury stay from merely pleasant to truly memorable.
A Culinary Destination: The Exquisite Food
The resort’s food and dining options are a genuine highlight, cementing the property as a culinary destination. For dinner, we opted for the more casual The Conservatory, a modern beach house-inspired restaurant. The menu focuses on prime cuts and fresh seafood, and while the atmosphere is relaxed, the food is executed with five-star precision. The kids enjoyed fresh spaghetti and a kids steak meal, while we indulged in the perfectly cooked Paccheri Wagyu Bolognese and Wild Asparagus Risotto, all set against a stunning ocean backdrop. The service staff—particularly our server, who remembered both our names—made the meal feel like an intimate, personalized event.
Breakfast at Navio is rumored to be the real showstopper at the resort and is renowned for its weekend luxury à la carte brunch. Guests can enjoy choices ranging from seasonal French toast to eggs benedict made with local ingredients. Sadly, we weren't able to indulge in this delightful option because we opted for an early morning bike ride and enjoyed breakfast off property while exploring the array of shops in-town. The weekend brunch is definitely a goal for our next visit.
The Verdict
Our one-night splurge using the Ritz-Carlton free night certificate, coupled with the Nightly Upgrade Award to the highly functional and fun Terrace Fire Pit room, felt like a week-long escape. The sheer value we extracted from our points and elite status at this highly-coveted property was fantastic and easily surpassed $1500 in value. The unparalleled bluff-top location, the world-class, anticipatory service, and the exquisite dining options truly distinguish The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. For any luxury traveler leveraging points and status for a family escape, this is a points-and-miles redemption that delivers on the promise of luxury travel.
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